Pilates

Pilates

The Pilates exercise method is designed as a complete workout to connect and condition both the body and the mind.

Pilates can be a very valuable tool to improve posture, flexibility and core strength.

WHAT IS PILATES?

The Pilates method is a gentle form of exercise that involves re-educating and re-training muscles, combined with special breathing techniques to keep the body balanced, build strength and support to the spine and limbs, and improve the tone, posture and shape of the body.

It utilises both mats and specialised equipment to train the body’s “core” muscles. Often people have poor movement habits, which result in poor posture, and in some instances pain and injury.

The method was developed by Josef Pilates in the early 1900’s to assist dancers in their performance and when recovering from injuries. Since then it has evolved and been improved upon greatly, and has been incorporated into physiotherapy rehabilitation, sports performance and general health and wellbeing.

PILATES IS BENEFICIAL FOR:

Reducing back pain and recurrence of back problems

Increasing flexibility and decreasing stiffness in your spine

Encouraging good posture and alignment

Stress relief and relaxation

Increasing abdominal, pelvic floor and back strength to support your spine

Improving core stability and balance

Enhanced sporting performance

Low impact introduction to exercise

Finding your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles again after childbirth!

IS PILATES RIGHT FOR ME?

At Leading Edge we recommend that all of our Pilates clients have an individual assessment prior to commencing their Pilates program. With examination of your affected areas we can ensure Pilates is suitable for your particular problems and injuries and devise your Pilates program for maximum benefit. Your Leading Edge Physiotherapist can advise you on whether Mat work or Equipment or a combination of both would be best.

With Pilates different exercises can be provided to suit most injuries and problems. Pilates can be very gentle or very challenging depending on your needs. You will need to be able to get onto the floor (and back up again) to perform Mat work exercises.

WHAT ARE CORE MUSCLES?

Core muscles are often referred to when talking about Pilates and other Core Stability training methods. What most people have in their mind are the superficial ( global) muscles, the “six-pack” and “rippling abs” seen on TV commercials.

When physios refer to Core Muscles, they are referring somewhat to these superficial (global) muscles, but also to the deeper (stabilising) muscles in your abdominal region that help control fine movement and posture in your spine. It is essential that the global and stabilising muscles work together to enhance how our bodies move and look. And it’s not just strength that’s important – correct activation, patterning and endurance is just as important.

Effective Pilates training will achieve all of this by providing dynamic stability that improves the functional strength of your spine and limbs, as well as improving your posture. In achieving this, people often look more “toned”.

Practicing the Pilates method regularly will rehabilitate, enhance performance and improve the way you look – whether you’re recovering from an injury or just want to look after your body!

PILATES CLASSES OFFERED AT LEADING EDGE

MATWORK CLASSES

Leading Edge Matwork Classes are group based exercises with different options provided for conditions as needed.

During our 10 Week Beginner’s program, as a group, you will learn basic Pilates concepts, exercises and stretches.

Your exercises will be progressed during the program as you improve. Options can be provided to suit most injuries/conditions.

As the program is progressive, attendance at all classes is encouraged.

Following this program we also have Intermediate and Advanced programs.

EQUIPMENT CLASSES

In our Pilates Equipment Classes your individual program, specifically designed to assist your goals, is performed in a small group.

Following an initial assessment, an Individual Pilates program will be devised for you by a Leading Edge Physiotherapist including Reformer and Mat work (floor based) exercises. You will also be encouraged to continue the Mat work exercises at home.

Clients are then encouraged to attend 1-2 classes a week, for a 6 week program in order to get the maximum benefit from performing the program.

To find out more about our Pilates Equipment Classes please CLICK HERE.

INDIVIDUAL (1:1) SESSIONS

“One on One” Pilates is also available for you to continue if preferred.

WHEN ARE THE PILATES CLASSES HELD?

I WANT TO START PILATES – WHAT DO I DO NOW?

Your next step is to book your Pilates Assessment with one of our highly-trained Leading Edge Pilates Physiotherapists. You can BOOK ONLINE now, or call one of our clinics on (08) 8364 6800 or (08) 8159 1300 to book an appointment.

If you are not sure if Pilates is what you need, you can ENTER YOUR DETAILS HERE and one of our physios will give you a call back to discuss your problem and work out what would suit you best in your situation.